Up or Over Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Sour (RTD)
Cloudy, copper/gold redolent of Whiskey touched lemonade. The nose is very pleasing with sweet citrus in the lead followed by vibrant Whiskey notes offering scents of caramel, oak, and brown baking spices. The palate flips the aromatics with Whiskey now in the lead delivering bright caramel, vanilla, and sweet/tart citrus accents. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced while being ultra-refreshing — it disappears from the glass. Served over ice as recommended. A lemon garnish is a positive reinforcement to the citrus in the cocktail and lifts the experience. $14.99 – 3.5 Stars
Ballotin Original Chocolate Flavored Whiskey
Brilliant, medium mahogany color. The nose is filled with the scents of milk chocolate truffles with hints of chocolate cream, vanilla and hints of brown baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich, milk chocolate-focused core with supporting notes of dark caramel, vanilla soaked oak, and sweet Whiskey. Medium to full-bodied with a viscous palate feel that elongates the sweet chocolate flavors. $25 – 4 Stars
Clonakilty Distillery Single Batch Double Oak Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, pale golden straw color. The nose is delicate while very complex offering layered scents of toasted cereal, fresh hay, and ripe orchard fruits with accents of spring flowers and earth. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich caramel toasted grain core with supporting notes of candied ginger, roasted nuts, five spice, and freshly cracker black pepper. Full-bodied and generous while elegant with ideal balance thanks to bright acidity and profound spice notes. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars
Grace O'Malley Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, golden color. The nose greets with luxurious scents of caramel, vanilla fudge, and Bourbon barrel with accents of orange peel, allspice, and roasted nuts. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, caramel malt core with supporting notes of baking spices, honey, and sweet toffee. Medium to full-bodied with a silky, lush core that expands on the palate foiled by crisp acidity and pepper notes. $36.99 – 4 Stars
Waterford Whisky Biodynamic Luna: Edition 1.1 Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, pale golden/rose color. The nose is intensely fruity offering scents of ripe stone fruits with baked pear, lemon curd, fresh herbs, hay, and blanched almonds with hints of wild honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, and decadent fruit-focused core with accents of anise, peppermint, candied ginger, cocoa nibs, and orange peel. Full-bodied with superb balance and incredible length. The generous and complex flavor are robust while ideally proportioned. $125 – 5 Stars
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, pale gold/copper. The aromatics are complex while delicate offering scents of ripe orchard and tropical fruits with vanilla bean, roasted nuts and toasted cereal. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet malt and grain-focused core with supporting notes of coffee, brown baking spices, vanilla, and hints of chocolate. Medium-bodied with ideal balance aided by a bright dose of acidity with all aspects in perfect measure. $24.99 – 4 Stars
Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, pale golden straw. The nose is generous, offering scents of poached pear, baked apple, and rich custard notes with accents of roasted grain and hints of wild mint. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a decadent, baked orchard fruit in pastry core with flanking notes of mocha, oak, and hints of Sherry. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance and a sweet, prolonged finish that carries the fruit on for minutes. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars
Gran Duque D'Alba XO Brandy de Jerez
Brilliant, beautiful mahogany color with hints of amber. The aromatics are quite complex with waves of roasted nuts, vanilla bean, nougat, raisins, and dates. The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous, unctuous caramel and toffee, with dried fruits, clove, allspice, and oak. Full-bodied with complex layers of fruit, caramel, spice, presented with a silky texture. $115 – 4 Stars
Gran Duque D'Alba Oro Brandy de Jerez
Brilliant, beautiful mahogany color with hints of amber. The nose is quite elegant and complex, offering scents of toffee, aged leather, dried fruits, and vanilla beans. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a generous cream caramel core with roasted nuts, nutmeg, brown butter, and Sherry with subtle hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied presenting a very sophisticated, semi-dry style that shows off this great old Brandy. $155 – 4.5 Stars
Laird's Applejack86 Apple Brandy
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, bronze to amber color. The nose is filled with the scents of baked apples with accents of sweet, charred oak, caramel, vanilla fudge, and hints of five-spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich yet sprite, apple-driven core with supporting notes of brown baking spices, sweet caramel, oak, and cinnamon. Full-bodied with sweet fruit supported by a generous dose of spice and caramel balanced with bright acidity. This is an American classic and it's as good as ever. $24.99 – 4 Stars
